Change in India’s Foreign Policy alignment
India’s foreign policy has changed over a period of time, from optimistic non alignment to energetic engagement to now towards an approach of multi alignment. Indian foreign policy can be understood by dividing it into six broad phases:
The first phase (1947-62): Optimistic Non-Alignment:
This period is marked by a setting of a bipolar world, with camps led by the United States and the USSR. India’s objectives in this phase were to resist the dilution of its sovereignty, rebuild its economy, and consolidate its integrity. Thus, it was natural for India to lead Asia and Africa in a quest for a more equitable world order. In pursuit of this, India played a critical role in the establishment of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), which marked the peak of Third World solidarity. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was the leading architect of this policy. He focused on solving the problems at home, like making the country more independent and getting the economy going again. India’s loss to China in the Indo-Chinese border war of 1962 showed the unpleasant reality of world politics. After the Indo-Pakistan War in 1965, India’s foreign policy was put to the test in a big way. This led to a shift toward adoption policies that put security as India’s highest-ranked interest. “India’s approach to its neighbors is shaped in part by the styles and personalities of its diplomats”.
The second phase (1962-71): Decade of Realism and Recovery
After the 1962 war, India made pragmatic choices on security and political challenges. It looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now largely forgotten defense agreement with the US in 1964. However, India faced external pressures on Kashmir (Tashkent agreement 1965) from the US and UK. However, the agreement did not contain a no-war pact or any renunciation of Pakistan’s aggression in Kashmir. Therefore, India now started tilting towards the USSR.
The third phase (1971-91): Greater Indian Regional Assertion
India showed remarkable use of hard power when it liberated Bangladesh in the India-Pakistan war in 1971. However, it was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis that came into being at this time seriously threatened India’s prospects, as a regional power. India also faced sanctions from the US and its allies after conducting a Peaceful nuclear explosion test in 1974 (Pokhran I). Further, the collapse of the USSR, India’s close ally, and the economic crisis in 1991 compelled India to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy.
The fourth phase (1991-98): Safeguarding Strategic Autonomy
The emergence of a unipolar world (led by the USA), encouraged India to change its approach to world affairs. This quest for strategic autonomy was particularly focused on securing its nuclear weapon option (Pokhran II 1998). This is a period where India reached out to engage the US, Israel, and ASEAN countries more intensively.
This fifth phase (1998-2013): India, a Balancing Power
In this period, India gradually acquired the attributes of a balancing power (against the rise of China). It is reflected in the India-US nuclear deal (123 Agreement). At the same time, India could also make common cause with China on climate change and trade, and consolidate further ties with Russia while helping to fashion BRICS into a major global forum.
The sixth phase (2013-until now): Energetic Engagement
In this phase of transitional geopolitics, India’s policy of Non-Alignment has turned into multi-alignment. India is now more aware of its capabilities and the expectations that the world has of India. Power dynamics in the Asian nations have diversified, with a notable emphasis on India and China holding significant influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
The relevance of India’s talent in creating and sustaining global technology is also likely to grow in time. India’s willingness to shape key global negotiations (e.g. Paris Conference on climate change) is equally significant. India has been able to assert itself beyond South Asia, through its approach towards the Indian Ocean Region (SAGAR initiative) and the extended neighborhood (Act East policy and Think West policy).
The most recent shift is seen towards Multi-Alignment:
Multi-Alignment: It is a series of relationships that strengthen multilateral partnerships and seek a common approach among the grouping towards security, economic equity and the elimination of existential dangers like terrorism.
India’s foreign policy evolution, indeed reflects a strategic shift towards multi-alignment. Let’s break down some of the key points:
Participation in Various Groupings:
BRICS: India’s involvement in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) signifies a commitment to cooperation with major emerging economies.
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization): Participation in the SCO Summit indicates India’s engagement with Central Asian nations on security and economic issues.
Quad and Indo-Pacific Engagement:
Quad: India’s involvement in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with the United States, Japan, and Australia demonstrates a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework: India’s participation in economic frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region aligns with its broader strategic interests.
Diversification of Energy Sources:
Russian Oil Purchase: By buying discounted Russian oil, India is diversifying its energy sources and demonstrating a degree of independence from Western pressures.
S-400 Missile System Purchase:
Dodging Sanctions: The decision to proceed with the purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, despite objections from the USA, highlights India’s determination to prioritize its own defense interests.
Bilateral Free Trade Agreements:
With Australia and UAE: Pursuing bilateral free trade agreements with countries like Australia and the UAE allows India to establish direct economic ties and negotiate terms that align with its interests.
Withdrawal from RCEP and IPEF:
Economic Interest: Opting out of larger groupings like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and, more recently, IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) suggests India’s focus on bilateral agreements that are perceived to be more favorable to its economic interests.
Response to Global Pressures:
Assertiveness: India’s refusal to buckle under pressure from the West and the USA, especially regarding its choices on defense systems and oil purchases, reflects a certain level of assertiveness in its foreign policy.
In summary, India’s foreign policy appears to be driven by a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance its strategic interests by actively participating in various regional and global groupings while also prioritizing bilateral agreements that serve its economic and security objectives. This approach reflects the complex geopolitical landscape and India’s pursuit of a diverse set of partnerships to safeguard its interests in an increasingly interconnected world.
India’s pursuit of a multi-alignment strategy aligns with its best national interests. While India has effectively navigated the challenges posed by various global players to achieve its foreign policy goals, the current scenario, marked by Russian aggression and assertiveness from China, along with a divided world, presents a formidable challenge to India’s multi-alignment approach.